63. Thursday morning arrived with a sense of accomplishment and relief for Ted.

Thursday morning arrived with a sense of accomplishment and relief for Ted. He was elated to have finally completed his project—a culmination of weeks of effort that included various models, detailed tests, an intricate methodology, failures that taught him resilience, successes that bolstered his confidence, a clear purpose, and carefully drawn inferences, all meticulously laid out.

As a perfectionist, Ted always held himself to the highest standards, and this project was no exception. His designs were not just functional but also elegant, embodying the intersection of practicality and creativity. The precision of his models had garnered attention even beyond his institution.

Earlier at Kingston, during an engineering design exhibition, Ted’s work had earned widespread praise. Among the admirers was a seasoned professor of Engineering Design who had spent decades mentoring students. The professor, a man known for his keen eye and discerning judgment, had been particularly impressed with Ted’s work.

"Ted," the professor had said, holding up one of Ted’s scaled-down bridge models, "this isn’t just engineering—this is art. The symmetry, the calculations, the thought behind this… it’s rare to see this level of passion and precision in someone so young."

The professor had then reached into his pocket and pulled out a worn 50-penny piece, the edges smooth from years of handling. Handing it to Ted, he said, "Keep this as a memento. One day, your grandchildren will hold this coin and ask you about it. And you’ll tell them about the day your designs caught the attention of an old professor at Kingston. Let it remind you of where you started and inspire you to go even further."

Ted had been both humbled and honored, the weight of the coin in his hand feeling like a tangible acknowledgment of his hard work and potential.

Now, sitting in his room at Egg 27 on Thursday morning, Ted held the coin and turned it over in his fingers. The memory of that day at Kingston brought a small smile to his face. It was a moment of validation, a reminder that his efforts weren’t just about meeting deadlines or earning grades—they were about creating something meaningful, something that could leave a lasting impression.

As he prepared to head out for the day, Ted slipped the coin into his pocket. It wasn’t just a piece of metal; it was a symbol of his journey so far and a promise of the possibilities ahead. Whatever challenges awaited him, he felt ready to face them with the same passion and determination that had brought him this far.